If there was absolutely no problem, Apple would not concern themselves in giving away free cases, they would've just released a press statement, saying something to the effect, "It happens to all phones, we can't control physics.", nor would they want to give up on the profit made on the bumpers.

Apple loves its customers. They learned, maybe not for the first time, just how intensely they love every customer because of the horrible bloggers and media blowing everything all up out of proportion.

They want each and every customer to be totally and completely happy. That is why they are giving away free Bumpers - to make us happy - and NOT because any problem exists.

Don't know about the stickers Steve jobs was referring to but the manual for the Nokia 2330 clearly has a picture of how to hold the phone without blocking the antenna with the following advice:

Your device may have internal and external antennas. As with any radio transmitting device, avoid touching the antenna area unnecessarily while the antenna is transmitting or receiving. Contact with such an antenna affects the communication quality and may cause the device to operate at a higher power level than otherwise needed and may reduce the battery life.

The phone is fine.. and from the sounds of it, has been proven better then any other phone in all areas INCLUDING reception, but like all phones can loss signal when held in a certain way in certain areas of already weak signal strength. But if that still isn't enough for you then actually go out and try it, instead of just buying all this at it's word??

Yep. Better than any other phone in all areas. Period.

But the whiners won't be happy unless it can rewrite the laws of science.

Historically, Apple executes very well and when they do fall short, their competitors love to make a big deal out of it. Sometimes I think Apple's own customers need to take a pause and remember that Apple is comprised of human beings with human flaws. They will make mistakes from time to time.

Apple isn't perfect, but I have been far happier with their computers, mp3 players and phones than those made by other companies. If I have ever had an issue, they have always made things right.

RIM and NOKIA make good products, but like it or not some of their phones have the very same flaw. I know that they'd prefer no one point that out, but they do. Apple had no choice but to address this when the very same companies and the media are blowing this all out of proportion and making it sound like an iPhone 4 problem only.

Apple admitted that the iPhone 4 isn't perfect and that they are working hard to rectify the situation. But, in the meantime, here is a free bumper. We understand it is not a fix but a work-around, but it will alleviate the problem for the time being. If you are still unhappy, we'll refund your money.

Personally, I'm cool with that.

I agree.

Considering Every computer, MP3 player and Phone I've ever had from apple has far surpassed my expectations of it, I am perfectly happy with giving apple the benefit of the doubt.

Personally, when it comes to choosing to believe Apple or the press, Apple or some un-named guys off You Tube, or Apple or Consumer reports, I'm gonna go with Apple.

But hey if it turns out all the other guys were right and this is the ONE apple product that doesn't blow my mind with how good it is.. I can just bring it back. Easy Peasy

Lets not forget, Consumer report's web traffic is going to go through the roof because of all this media attention and will essentially stay through the roof until they decide to recommend iPhone 4 again. I mean they actually still call iPhone 4 the best smart phone on the market, but won't recommend it for an issue every other phone they recommend has. I kind of get the feeling they're milking this for exposure.

The iPhone 4 is the only phone that can go from 5 bars to 0 bars with the touch of a single finger at a small part of the case.

Apple is right to be criticized for this obvious design flaw. This is not standard attenuation.

With the more accurate(?) display of bars (the 4.0.1 fix), the iP4 no longer drops from 5 to 0 bars.

What is the standard?

4 bars to 1 bar?

4 bars to 0 bars?

These were both demonstrated on competitive phones at the press event.

And, if you will spend a little more time on enlightenment, rather than entitlement-- I think you will find many videos showing various smart phones losing 1 or more bars-- some display a max of 4 bars and lose them all when held improperly.

There are some people pissed that their smart phones drop signals, have poor call quality, and drop calls-- they are not all Apple customers.

Try some of the links below-- watch and learn! Pay special attention to the comments of the customers, where present.

Could you take some call drop data on your iPhone 4 for a month or two to give us some real-world data so we can see what the actual drop rate is from an unbiased non-Apple tester? You do have an iPhone 4, right? You certainly speak as if you do.

Anybody who would claim that "Apple is deflecting the real issue here" can't possibly own an iPhone.

But of course, neither official response made any attempt to deny or refute Apple's examples. They simply didn't enjoy having their own issues highlighted.

I agree with your Comment COMPLETELY man. EXACTLY!!

Although, I'm sure this is exactly what everyone expected these companies to say.

I actually thought this was a perfect opportunity for Nokia to gain the upper hand here and maybe zing apple by saying "Yes, this is an issue that every smartphone has but at least we have the courtesy of warning people with a sticker so they know what they are buying into!" lol but of course they just came along with this PR garbage instead :P

I am an Apple and Steve Jobs fan, but disappointed at how this "Antennagate" was handled.

First, Steve was a conceited in his tone, and it just goes along with the hubris from Apple lately.

Second, their trying to dilute the antenna problem by saying it affects the rest of the industry is a far cry from their philosophy when they launched the iPhone. Instead of saying that all other phones suffer from it, they should have offered an "Apple" approach. Remember how the IPhone is so much better than the other phones, in so many aspects. Well, why play that card now that all the other phones suck, and so why can't ours. They shouldn't even mention that. If people didn't notice that the other phones suffer from the same thing don't even mention it. Just make yours even better than the rest. All of a sudden we're comparing the iPhone to the rest when up until now it was always a step above. This is no excuse. This should have been discovered and addressed in testing. Even if it wasn't a problem, someone should have anticipated and been prepared for this media blowing it out of proportion, and have an answer at the ready.

It goes to show that nobody is perfect, not even when it comes to their bread-and-butter product (like Microsoft with Vista, and this, Apple and the iPhone).

Sure, they're not perfect, but they have an attitude like they are. They made everyone expect much better from them than everybody else. Then live up to that.

I actually like where you're going with this post.. but this isn't a copy and past thing, where they can take the feature and make it their own. This is just Physics which he is saying you can't avoid. If you cover up a signal, it will weaken. Period. It doesn't matter what company you are or what product you have. If a technological ability doesn't exist then it doesn't exist.. Apple or Not.

Some times I think people just expect way to much of Apple. I guess that's what they get for consistently making product better then any other company can even dream of. lol.

Could you take some call drop data on your iPhone 4 for a month or two to give us some real-world data so we can see what the actual drop rate is from an unbiased non-Apple tester? You do have an iPhone 4, right? You certainly speak as if you do.

iphone 4 drops more call than iphone 3GS. this is not my judgement this is what one of yesterdays topic on this forum.

I'm so glad Apple held a press conference and cleared up any misunderstandings so there would be no further fighting and bickering!

Over 130 posts and counting. Ye who make up the AI forum are unmatched in your ability to make a big deal out of nothing. You are all pathetic fanbois. Have some more Kool Aid and keep posting. Don't leave your grandmother's basement and chase a ball or anything.

Bye.

PS The iPhone 4 is doomed!

It's obviously doomed.

I mean before this all happened their was 2 week waits to get one.. and now there is only.. hmm three week waits...

That's odd cause for a second there I thought you weren't just a complete retard who makes fun of people for posting on forums that you clearly read and post on.

I am an Apple and Steve Jobs fan, but disappointed at how this "Antennagate" was handled.

First, Steve was a conceited in his tone, and it just goes along with the hubris from Apple lately.

Second, their trying to dilute the antenna problem by saying it affects the rest of the industry is a far cry from their philosophy when they launched the iPhone. Instead of saying that all other phones suffer from it, they should have offered an "Apple" approach. Remember how the IPhone is so much better than the other phones, in so many aspects. Well, why play that card now that all the other phones suck, and so why can't ours. They shouldn't even mention that. If people didn't notice that the other phones suffer from the same thing don't even mention it. Just make yours even better than the rest. All of a sudden we're comparing the iPhone to the rest when up until now it was always a step above. This is no excuse. This should have been discovered and addressed in testing. Even if it wasn't a problem, someone should have anticipated and been prepared for this media blowing it out of proportion, and have an answer at the ready.

It goes to show that nobody is perfect, not even when it comes to their bread-and-butter product (like Microsoft with Vista, and this, Apple and the iPhone).

Sure, they're not perfect, but they have an attitude like they are. They made everyone expect much better from them than everybody else. Then live up to that.

If you consider a 94.45% satisfaction rating with the iPhone 4 to be "not living up to that" (a higher standard), then I suggest you may never find satisfaction with any product you ever purchase.

I still don't get all the anger out there. Mine has worked flawlessly, as has all the iPhone models I have purchased (3G and up). However, if someone is having a horrible experience, as I did when I moved from one state to another when the AT&T / Cingular tower conversions where going on in 2002/2003? Well, then I feel your pain. But judging by the HUGE number of new posters here and elsewhere, that magically appeared when the antenna issue was first bandied about? I have no doubt that most of them have never even held an iPhone 4, let alone own one.

Pity the agnostic dyslectic. They spend all their time contemplating the existence of dog.

Is that an Apple issue or an AT&T issue? I mean Steve had the theory about less cases, but at the same time we're dealing with a network that just had 3 million and counting iPhones added to it in a few days.. and AT&T reception wasn't that great to begin with..

I know I'll be buying one the day it gets to Canada. Judging by the massive wait times it doesn't look like things are slowing down in the US anytime soon. IS there anyone here who has actually changed their mind and decided not to buy an iPhone 4 or to return the one they have because of this antenna weak spot issue?

I'm so glad Apple held a press conference and cleared up any misunderstandings so there would be no further fighting and bickering!

Over 130 posts and counting. Ye who make up the AI forum are unmatched in your ability to make a big deal out of nothing. You are all pathetic fanbois. Have some more Kool Aid and keep posting. Don't leave your grandmother's basement and chase a ball or anything.

Bye.

PS The iPhone 4 is doomed!

Increased antenna performance design per Apple and reader responses, but X marks the spot where you will decrease its superior performance if you bridge it. Small effort on the part of the user to avoid dropped calls in low bandwidth areas.
Not so much a bad trade off.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VKIcaejkpD4

Is that an Apple issue or an AT&T issue? I mean Steve had the theory about less cases, but at the same time we're dealing with a network that just had 3 million and counting iPhones added to it in a few days.. and AT&T reception wasn't that great to begin with..

It's hard to know how many phones were added to AT&Ts network, since no doubt many iPhone 4s are replacing older iPhones or other phones on AT&T.

Apple Screwed Up By Choosing Aesthetics Over Functionality, They're Attempting To Appease The Masses Until They Can Re-Engineer A Real Solution, and Pointing Out (alleged) Issues With Competing Handsets Doesn't Help..

Note: Rubber Bandages To Cover Up The Flaw Is Not A Real Solution -

At this point, they're defending themselves in the media & the blogosphere, which have jumped on and repeated the allegations made by CR and others who have spun it into "Antennagate." If by "The Masses" you mean the 99.45% of iPhone 4 owners who are not complaining or the millions of others who are trying to buy one, then no, I don't think they need to be "appeased."

And, contrary to what you say, I think it has helped to remind the public that you can hold any cell phone in a way that affects signal strength. Apple wasn't picking on RIM or Nokia, just using some well known competing brands to illustrate their point, which is that all phones are affected.

The "Rubber Bandages" aren't a cover up for anything, because I can use my iPhone 4 just fine without it. I went to lunch on Wednesday with 3 other guys who also have iPhone 4s, and none of us need "rubber bandages" because none of us have experienced the alleged issues.

The only real flaw is that Apple's signal bars were so wrongly calculated that it would show a 5-to-1 bar drop if you were in an area with a marginal signal which was erroneously being reported as 5 bars.

By the way, having seen in the bottom of your post that you are waiting until October for a hardware fix, what sort of thing will you consider a "fix"?

I can't see how they can stop the attenuation effects of your hand being close to the antenna, unless they put it inside the phone, and I don't see them changing the appearance of the phone at the moment.

Detuning an attenuation are not the same thing. They said bumpers until September 30th because they'll change the antenna in some way by then. I can wait, and I will.

NEWSFLASH - Del Monte Foods, maker of Contadina brand tomato products, acknowledged today that reception of its backyard tomato can telephones has been adversely affected for decades by the use of the wrong kind of string that connects them.

"It appears that millions of innocent children have had difficulty hearing each other because the science of sound transmission between two cans over a taut length of string has not been sufficiently investigated," said a source who asked to remain anonymous because he is not authorized to speak for the company.

A study of the audio transmission issue reveals that the problem may not be confined to Contadina. but afflicts the entire global canned tomato industry, the source went on. "Other variables have a much greater effect on sound quality, including the common use of softly woven cotton kitchen string and the lack of tension in the string as a consequence of how the users hold their cans and stretch the string."

News media and Internet rumor sites are expected to be flooded in the next few days with raging disagreements about whether tomato producers, and Contadina in particular, have knowingly concealed the problem. In response to media inquiries, a Contadina competitor - ConAgra-owned Hunt's - angrily disputed "Contadina's unacceptable attempt to draw Hunt's into their self-made debacle."

Reports are circulating that, for a limited period, Contadina will be willing to provide children with free 50# monofilament fishing line as a substitute for string or twine. Contadina officials thus far have declined to respond to the reports.

I admit to being a Fanatical Moderate. I Disdain the Inane. Vyizderzominymororzizazizdenderizorziz?

So, your assertion is that the other phones drop bars, but only the iPhone 4 actually drops the calls? How do you know? Do you have one? Or are you just going by the word of the tech press? How does someone admit a problem without owning up to it? What is the time limit for full disclosure? If a company's metrics don't show a problematic trend are they supposed to just jump at the beck and call of the blogs begging and pleading to be forgiven for an egregious mistake?

I only know one person with an iPhone 4. I played around with it a couple of days after she got it before antennagate took off. I didn't speak with her again until last night when I jokingly asked how she likes her horrible iPhone 4. She said she gets better reception and can make calls in what were deadspots for her 3GS. We can nerd-rage about dBm and bars all we want, but in the end if the phone works there is no problem.

In several threads (there have been so many) in the past 21 days, some posters identified a potential 3G to Edge handoff issue. One poster said that he lived in a marginal area.

He could make 3G calls with his 3GS, but they would usually drop to Edge.

With his iP4 he would make the call with 3G. Then (to paraphrase) the iP4 really really tried to hang on to the 3G connection-- when it couldn't, it dropped the call (never handing off to Edge). He said it was repeatable.

His workaround was to turn the 3G radio off. No dropped calls.

A case would not have helped, because he could do this with the iP4 sitting on the desktop.

Several others reported similar problems, but they were drowned out by the feeding frenzy.

It is my understanding that:

-- both the 3G (if on) and Edge radios poll every n seconds to acquire a signal (using software/firmware)
-- software evaluates the signal strength for each radio
-- based on the evaluation the software chooses which connection to use-- with 3G given priority over Edge.
-- the polling and evaluation of signal strength go on continuously,
-- If the iOS software detects a week signal it will try and hand off to the other radio before dropping the call
-- normally this would be 3G degrading (being handed off ) to Edge.
-- If the 3G signal regains strength, a upgrade handoff is made to 3G.
-- the handoff/switch over may take a second or so.
-- there are built-in averaging algorithms and delays to prevent constant switching between radios,

So, there is a possibiliy of a cell radio hardware, firmware or software bug/defect.

Consider that the iP4 adds a new radio band and uses completely different cell radio chips than any prior iPhone. There seems to be potential exposure here-- different drivers, different signal values, different evaluation algorithms, and different software for switching,

This, also, could be the reason that Apple removed the Field Test-- it didn't work with the new chips.

I certainly am no expert, here, but this is the most reasonable explanation I can come up with for dropped calls being different on the iP4 than the 3GS.

Anecdotally: I live about 60 miles East of San Francisco -- AT&T 3G coverage is pretty good -- about 3-4 bars after the 4.0.1 update (solid 5 bars before). About a week after I got my iP4 I called a friend in Boston. She has a 3GS. We talked for about an hour and the call was dropped about 4 times (I had never experienced a dropped call before). The odd thing, is that my iP4 never lost connection (you could hear the open connection). After a few seconds (say, 10-15), my friends voice would come back on the line and she would apologize "that's AT&T". After we ended the call (normally), she emailed me that she couldn't call out on her 3GS, at all, Weird!

.

"Swift generally gets you to the right way much quicker." - auxio -

"The perfect [birth]day -- A little playtime, a good poop, and a long nap." - Tomato Greeting Cards -

so what we need for a little boredom relief, is an app that would let you deliver a small electric charge to anybody disagreeing with you or making false statements. if they were anti apple, the charge would be a little stronger.

I am an Apple and Steve Jobs fan, but disappointed at how this "Antennagate" was handled.

First, Steve was a conceited in his tone, and it just goes along with the hubris from Apple lately.

Second, their trying to dilute the antenna problem by saying it affects the rest of the industry is a far cry from their philosophy when they launched the iPhone. Instead of saying that all other phones suffer from it, they should have offered an "Apple" approach. Remember how the IPhone is so much better than the other phones, in so many aspects. Well, why play that card now that all the other phones suck, and so why can't ours. They shouldn't even mention that. If people didn't notice that the other phones suffer from the same thing don't even mention it. Just make yours even better than the rest. All of a sudden we're comparing the iPhone to the rest when up until now it was always a step above. This is no excuse. This should have been discovered and addressed in testing. Even if it wasn't a problem, someone should have anticipated and been prepared for this media blowing it out of proportion, and have an answer at the ready.

It goes to show that nobody is perfect, not even when it comes to their bread-and-butter product (like Microsoft with Vista, and this, Apple and the iPhone).

Sure, they're not perfect, but they have an attitude like they are. They made everyone expect much better from them than everybody else. Then live up to that.

Great post.

This is Apple's "Toyota Moment". They set themselves up as infallible (which nobody is), then utterly blew their management of a PR debacle.

And in the worst of things, even Toyota didn't resort to putting themselves on par with their competition (i.e. "But GM and Ford cars have problems too!").

Anyway I fully agree: face up to the problem, fix it, and get on with life. Don't cop out by lowering yourself to the rest of the industry.